Support ESS financially, without any additional involvement.

Support ESS + opt in to regular communication
& opportunities to connect.

Support ESS + opt in to the “Plugged-In” experience + go on 3-4 field trips per year to studios around Chicago.

WHY DONATE

Over a quarter of ESS's budget each year comes from modest (under $50) donations by individuals in our community. And honestly, due to the increasing unreliability of foundation funding, we need to grow that percentage even more. This is a for-the-people-by-the-people operation, something that we see as a major strength in terms of sustainability, mission alignment, and freedom.

With your support, we pay people who are innovating, creating, and experimenting every day (literally: the studio was in use 352 days out of last year). Nearly 80% of ESS’s annual expenses go directly to artist fees, engineers, curators, fellows, contractors, and a small—but mighty!—staff that puts on all the programs at ESS.

HOW ESS FRAMES SUPPORT

In 2025, ESS is updating our avenues of support. Instead of choosing between “Donation” and “Membership” when you support, now everyone is a Supporter, with the options to be either more “Plugged-In” or “Unplugged.” Folks who want to engage in curated experiences, like studio visits throughout Chicago, can join a special groups like Studio Group, which do have minimum annual donations. See the chart on this page for a visual of how this framework works.

WHAT DO PLUGGED-IN SUPPORTERS OPT IN TO?

Each year, Plugged-In Supporters receive invitations to:

• One special performance

• A networking and skill-sharing event

• A field trip

• Four virtual “happy hours” featuring artist talks, exclusive performances, mini-field trips, and opportunities to connect.

Plus a monthly newsletter with exclusive listening selections and opportunities to share your work via ESS’s website and e-newsletter.

Most experiences are designed to appeal to both in-person and virtual participants.